Ellen DeGeneres seems to have largely bounced back after a turbulent summer in which accusations of a workplace rife with “racism, fear and intimidation” temporarily marred her public persona of kindness embodied. In interviews with BuzzFeed News, former
The Ellen DeGeneres Show staff members said they were fired after taking medical leave or missing work to attend family funerals, and one Black staffer said a then–executive producer accused her of walking around “looking resentful and angry” for asking for a raise and suggesting diversity and inclusion training. After addressing the allegations upon returning for her 18
th season, DeGeneres has continued apparently untouched by the scandal, still landing major celebrity guests. And, in perhaps the most telling sign that her brand has remained largely intact, the premium membership for her subscription Be Kind box has sold out.